Blank Check with Griffin & David: Episode Summary – "Johnny Dangerously with Josh Gondelman"
Release Date: May 4, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve deep into the 1984 American crime comedy "Johnny Dangerously," directed by Amy Heckerling. Joined by comedian and podcast guest Josh Gondelman, the trio explores the film's comedic elements, its place within Amy Heckerling's filmography, and the performances of its standout cast, including Michael Keaton and Joe Piscopo.
Exploring Joe Piscopo’s Legacy
The discussion kicks off with Josh Gondelman expressing his admiration for Joe Piscopo's performance in "Johnny Dangerously." At [01:00], Gondelman states, “This is the one time where I'm like, I get why people were buying this,” highlighting Piscopo's unique comedic flair that stood out from his Saturday Night Live (SNL) contemporaries. Griffin Newman adds at [02:13], “Piscopo was the best at hanging in there with Murphy,” referring to Eddie Murphy, emphasizing Piscopo's ability to match Murphy's energy and timing.
Amy Heckerling’s Directorial Choices
Hosts commend Amy Heckerling's direction, particularly her strategic decision to avoid pigeonholing herself after the success of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." At [19:20], Gondelman observes, “It feels like a deliberate effort on Heckerling's part to be like, I am going to immediately refuse pigeonholing." This choice led her to venture into the gangster comedy genre with "Johnny Dangerously," showcasing her versatility as a director.
Michael Keaton’s Performance and Career Trajectory
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Michael Keaton's role as Johnny Kelly. Gondelman remarks at [10:03], “He is what you get when you put the character to the test,” praising Keaton's ability to embody the character's eccentricities. Griffin Newman shares personal anecdotes about Keaton's influence, noting at [44:47], “He has so much energy that there's never anything in him, to me, that feels like he's pushing or reaching.”
Film Analysis: Humor and Parody Elements
The trio analyzes the film's comedic structure, noting its dense layering of jokes and homage to classic gangster films. At [21:12], Sims states, “It is a movie that is just devoting all of its energy just to trying to be funny at all times,” appreciating the film's relentless humor. They discuss specific scenes, such as the animated testicle educational film spoof at [87:27], which Gondelman finds “the absolute ceiling of what [Piscopo] can do,” enhancing the movie's parody elements.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Despite its comedic strengths, "Johnny Dangerously" faced mixed reviews and modest box office returns. At [136:11], they mention, “It made $3 million at the domestic box office in its opening weekend,” discussing how the film struggled to compete with more dominant releases like "Beverly Hills Cop." Gondelman concludes that the film’s unique humor was both its strength and its hindrance, making it a cult favorite rather than a mainstream hit.
Comparisons with Other Parody Films
Drawing parallels with other genre parodies, the hosts compare "Johnny Dangerously" to Mel Brooks' works and Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker (ZAZ) comedies. At [26:09], Sims notes, “It's not a pastiche of big set pieces kind of loosely strung together,” distinguishing Heckerling's approach from others who might rely heavily on specific film parodies.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, Josh Gondelman reflects on the enduring appeal of "Johnny Dangerously," stating at [25:43], “This is a movie that is just, like, devoting all of its energy just to trying to be funny at all times and throwing so much at the wall.” Griffin Newman concurs, highlighting the film's "comedic invention" and its status as a hidden gem within the 1980s comedy landscape.
Notable Quotes
- Josh Gondelman [01:00]: "This is the one time where I'm like, I get why people were buying this."
- Griffin Newman [02:13]: "Piscopo was the best at hanging in there with Murphy."
- Josh Gondelman [19:20]: “It feels like a deliberate effort on Heckerling's part to be like, I am going to immediately refuse pigeonholing.”
- David Sims [21:12]: “It is a movie that is just devoting all of its energy just to trying to be funny at all times.”
- Josh Gondelman [25:43]: “This is a movie that is just, like, devoting all of its energy just to trying to be funny at all times and throwing so much at the wall.”
Conclusion
This episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David offers a comprehensive and humorous exploration of "Johnny Dangerously," celebrating its comedic value and dissecting its place in 1980s American cinema. With insightful commentary and memorable quotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Amy Heckerling’s directorial prowess and the film’s enduring charm.